“Many of the students who are proficient this year, will not be proficient next year.”

That’s because next year the state will raise the standard for what is considered a passing score on the test. State leaders say raising the scores will make sure students are prepared for college or job training after high school. Taylor is not against the change. But he says it will impact every district in Michigan, even those who haven’t really had problems meeting academic standards in the past.

“I want to make one thing abundantly clear, this is not a Grand Rapids Public Schools problem. You are going to see the same conversation be held with superintendents, some of my colleges who’ve never had to stand before you, and really explain changes, significant changes, in achievement rates.”